A Loving Father
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ so they began to celebrate.” - Luke 15:22-24
Have you ever heard the story of the Prodigal Son? It is a popular story of a boy who impatiently wants his inheritance now instead of waiting. His father grants his wish, only to find the boy leaving and going off with it. The boy quickly squanders all his fortunes and is forced to work a lowly job in which he does not have food to eat.
Hungry and homeless, the boy returns to his father intending to just ask to work for him. The father jumps up to meet him and spoils the son with fresh clothes and his best food. His brother, who had not squandered his inheritance, becomes frustrated at how the father treats the boy. He cannot believe his father is treating his son who left him this way.
The story symbolizes a relationship we know all too well. In our relationship with God, we are the son who leaves off, thinking we have everything we need, thinking we have everything figured out. We go as if we no longer need God, only to return to Him in times of trouble. Like the story, God does not hold grudges. He is not looking to “even the score.”
God welcomes us back the same way the father in the story does, with open arms. He is excited we have returned to Him, and all He cares about is that we are back. Aren’t you thankful for a loving Father?
Yesterday we talked about getting another at-bat, and that is exactly what God wants to give us. He does not want to see us fail, even when we leave Him. He delights in us returning to Him, and He is ready to help us get back on track. It is not too late to return to your loving Father who is ready and waiting with open arms!
Have you ever heard the story of the Prodigal Son? It is a popular story of a boy who impatiently wants his inheritance now instead of waiting. His father grants his wish, only to find the boy leaving and going off with it. The boy quickly squanders all his fortunes and is forced to work a lowly job in which he does not have food to eat.
Hungry and homeless, the boy returns to his father intending to just ask to work for him. The father jumps up to meet him and spoils the son with fresh clothes and his best food. His brother, who had not squandered his inheritance, becomes frustrated at how the father treats the boy. He cannot believe his father is treating his son who left him this way.
The story symbolizes a relationship we know all too well. In our relationship with God, we are the son who leaves off, thinking we have everything we need, thinking we have everything figured out. We go as if we no longer need God, only to return to Him in times of trouble. Like the story, God does not hold grudges. He is not looking to “even the score.”
God welcomes us back the same way the father in the story does, with open arms. He is excited we have returned to Him, and all He cares about is that we are back. Aren’t you thankful for a loving Father?
Yesterday we talked about getting another at-bat, and that is exactly what God wants to give us. He does not want to see us fail, even when we leave Him. He delights in us returning to Him, and He is ready to help us get back on track. It is not too late to return to your loving Father who is ready and waiting with open arms!
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Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
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Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
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